MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes sign stadium-naming rights deal

On November 19, 2014, Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes and Avaya – two Silicone Valley brands on the ascent – announced a multi-year agreement granting Avaya the stadium naming rights of the team’s new stadium.

The club’s new home will be named the Avaya Stadium when it opens early in 2015 and, according to the Mercury News, Avaya – a Santa Clara-based firm that provides technology services – will pay US$20m over a ten-year period.

Avaya Stadium will feature state-of-the-art technology and will be the first cloud-enabled sports stadium in the league. The 18,000-seat stadium will also include the largest outdoor bar in North America, large double-sided scoreboards and field-level suites.

Dave Kaval, President of the Earthquakes, said:

We wanted to find a company that could actually enhance the stadium; that’s why a technology company would be logical for that. The cool thing for fans is it’s going to be constantly evolving.

Joe Manuele, Avaya’s VP of Cloud Services, commented:

This is a way for us to play a bigger part in the community. It’s also a showcase for us so our customers can see the technology in action in a very unique environment.

Images courtesy San Jose Earthquakes

About Avaya Stadium

The 18,000-capacity Avaya Stadium – designed by 360 Architecture – is currently under construction on Coleman Ave. adjacent to the San Jose International Airport. The European-inspired building is the first cloud-enabled venue in Major League Soccer and will be among the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The stadium features a canopy roof and the steepest-raked seating in Major League Soccer to provide the best possible fan experience. Additionally, the north end zone houses the largest outdoor bar in North America, a two-acre fan zone and a double-sided video scoreboard. The suites and club seats are located at field level, giving fans a premium experience unlike any other in professional sports. The stadium will be part of a mixed use residential, retail, R&D and hotel development.

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